Modern living has brought about a rise in the use, production and even consumption of artificial chemicals and substances that can have a terrible effect on the functionality of our health. Our environments are more toxic than ever before, and this has led to more noticeable health issues plaguing more people in the population.
One thing that has become more common is something known as endocrine disrupting chemicals or EDCs, disruptors which cause havoc on the body’s hormonal and metabolic systems. According to Hormone Health Network, “Endocrine-disrupting chemicals are substances in the environment (air, soil, or water supply), food sources, personal care products, and manufactured products that interfere with the normal function of your body’s endocrine system.” EDCs can cause issues like increased risk of cancer, abnormal growth and disruption to reproductive function. This disruption can also lead to our bodies being less effective at fighting off disease and infection.
Places EDCs Can Be Found
- EDCs from pesticides and manufacturing additives can make their way into the water and food supply.
- Some plastic food containers and water bottles contain substances like BPA which can also be harmful to the endocrine system.
- Environments with mould can also put the body at the risk of increased toxicity.
- Processed foods are bad for our health because they are manufactured and also preserved with artificial additives that are harmful.
- Household dust can also be a huge factor in exposure to endocrine disrupting chemicals.
- Some toys, cosmetics, clothing, construction and home building materials can also contain EDCs.
- There’s also been a link between the increase of some diseases and chronic illnesses with exposure to EDCs and living in toxic environments.
Protecting Yourself
The question about environmental toxicity and disruption isn’t whether it’s happening. It’s knowing that it is happening and taking the steps to protect ourselves and our families. The places we inhabit have to some degree been affected by chemicals and the best thing we can do is take steps to defend and protect our bodies from the effects of EDCs. Here are some of the things you can do.
Detox
Detox therapy is a process by which “a combination of infusions, vitamins, and minerals that help eliminate foreign substances and heavy metals from the body, allowing the immune system to perform as it is supposed to and making the body stronger to fight off bacteria.” It’s a pathway to consider if you feel like you want to clean up and detox your system.
Limit the Amount of Plastic You Use
A lot of plastic products and containers contain EDCs, and the great news is that you’re not only limited to plastic for storing and carrying food and water. Use glass instead and you will limit your risk to harmful substances.
Eat Fresh
Processed foods also contain harmful chemicals and substances, and if you can eat more organic foods. Avoid foods that are prepared and preserved with additives because this can also put you at risk of dangerous chemicals. For example canned foods are preserved with substances that are used to stop the cans from corroding and breaking down while they are kept on store shelves. Avoid relying on canned foods and opting for fresh food and meat as much as possible.
Clean Your Water Supply
We’ve always been told to drink a lot of water in order to remain healthy, but what happens when that water is contaminated? Tap water can also contain harmful chemicals and toxins that made it into the water supply from pesticides, farms and factories. One of the things you can do to make the water you drink cleaner is to attach filters to your taps so that you reduce and even remove the hormone disrupting chemicals from not just your drinking water supply, but even the water you bath and clean your food in. A water filter system can do wonders for increasing the health of your family. It’s a seemingly small change with a huge benefit.
Buy Wisely
Before you buy something, take the time to read the labels on the back of the products looking out for any substances that can potentially be harmful. There are hormone disruptors not just in food but also in cleaning detergents, cosmetics and many other things that are seemingly harmless. Making better decisions from the supermarket means that you limit the entrance of hormone disruptors in your home, therefore making you and your family safer.
Clean Your Environment
Keep your home clean by wiping down surfaces and vacuuming and removing dust regularly. The buildup of dust can lead to an accumulation of EDCs inevitably. One way that you can combat this is to keep your home environment clean, especially in the more hidden corners of your home. All these steps and actions will be immensely in protecting your health from toxins and EDCs.